I feel deeply grateful that my wonderful parents were able to visit Tanja, Lila, and I in Germany a few weeks ago.
Today I've cried a lot of beautiful tears while playing with Lila and listening to the gorgeous song 'Tobacco Road' by Common Market. I hadn't heard the song in years but I thought of it today and listened to it about 20 times, Iām still playing it now as I write... it makes me think of Home, Family, and the long journey I've traveled since leaving my small hometown in Iowa 12 years ago.
I love crying... I love moments when the heart cracks open and the body is so moved with emotion that it overflows... I love how the tears honor these long winding roads we all travel, our depth of care for this life, and all the marvelous people that touch our souls along the way.
I start to cry again now as I write this, just feeling the raw depth of my Love for my Parents my Home, my Family, my Friends back in Iowa and globally... sobs shake my body as my nose begins to release as well... my chest aches as invisible energetic daggers seem to plunge into my center... what a rich and precious moment.
My Mom and Dad, Connie and Daniel Bates, are my Heroes. They gave my beloved sister Anna and I the world. They gave us all the love in their hearts. They played and laughed with us. They read to us every night for years. They took us traveling and camping and to rollercoaster parks and boating and hiking and kayaking and so much more. We had snowball fights and waterpark visits and epic ping-pong and pool sagas and board game fun and cozy movie nights and so many merry Christmases and holidays. They came to our sport events and mock trial competitions and spelling bees. They taught us all the wisdom they knew, as best they could. They taught us the value of Family and Faith in God. They made us feel special and told us we could do whatever we dreamed. Sobs continue to envelop me as I write this paragraph... how fortunate I am.
Even as my path led me far beyond Iowa and into experiential territories far beyond everything my Parents knew, they trusted me. They continue to always tell me how proud they are of me. We've had our times of disagreement and hurt here and there, and times when they've felt worried about me, of course, but I know they were always coming from Love and wanting me to be safe and happy. Above all I just feel their endless support, encouragement, love, and belief in me. I am infinitely grateful for them.
I Love you so much, Mom and Dad. Thank you for flying all the way to Germany to see us and meet your granddaughter and my beloved Tanja and her family. Thank you for flying all the way to South Korea years ago to visit your son on the other side of the world. Thank you for always Welcoming Me Home With Pure Love And Bear Hugs And Warm Delicious Food all the times I've visited Iowa over the years.
It was so special to see you both with Lila and to explore Germany with you. I'll treasure those memories, and all my memories with you, for the rest of my days.
Thank You, Mom and Dad. From the depths of my heart and soul: Thank You.
Love,
Jordan
Jordan Bates is a grateful son. Find him on Telegram, Instagram, Twitter, etc., and view his latest books/albums/offerings here.